"The fire department did an excellent job," he said, both in putting out the fire and providing ambulances where people could get warm in the frigid night.

"The Red Cross was great," Peterson said. Its workers provided essentials, including clothing and food.

Bethel Fire Marshal Thomas Galliford said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but "more than likely" it was overloaded electrical wires -- not involving a space heater -- in one of the apartments.

When firefighters arrived, that apartment was fully engulfed in flames. Galliford said the tenant tried to put out the fire when it was small but was unsuccessful.

The best procedure to follow when there's a home fire, Galliford said, "is just get out, close the door behind you, and call 911."

The building's smoke detectors were working. The fire, which spread into the attic, took about 30 minutes to bring under control, and firefighters stayed until about 3 a.m. to put out hot spots.